Howard County Seasonal Flu Information

Due to national flu vaccine distribution challenges, our Seasonal Flu Clinics have been postponed until we receive our requested vaccine.

There is some low-cost vaccine remaining in community clinics. Check with your doctor, pediatrician, pharmacy, local grocery and membership warehouse stores for availability. Click here to use the National Flu Clinic Locator to find flu clinics.

As H1N1 vaccine becomes available we will begin to offer vaccine to priority populations first.

Those groups include:

• Pregnant women
  
• People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
  
• Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
  
• Persons between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old
  
• People ages of 25 through 64 years of age who are at higher risk because of chronic health problems or weakened immune systems.

The Health Department has received a limited quantity of vaccine. Upon receipt of additional vaccine more schools, including non-public schools, will be scheduled.

Seasonal Flu Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick.

• If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from getting sick. People with the flu should stay away from others for at least 24 hours after their fever is gone. The fever should be gone without the use of a fever-lowering medicine.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or inside of your elbow when you cough or sneeze. Make sure to put used tissues in the trash after one use.
• Wash your hands often with warm water and soap. Alcohol-based hand cleaners like Purell also work.
• Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose. Germs spread this way.
• Get plenty of sleep, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
  
  Tips for Staying Healthy (in English)
  Tips for Staying Healthy (in Korean)
  Tips for Staying Healthy (in Spanish)
  
  
  

What is the best technique for washing my hands to avoid getting the flu?

Washing your hands often helps protect you from germs.

Use soap and warm water when you wash your hands. Wash for 15 to 20 seconds. Have your child sing two verses of “Happy Birthday” to allow for enough time.

When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based hand wipes or gel may be used. You can find them in many supermarkets and drugstores. If using gel, rub your hands until the gel is dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in it kills the germs on your hands.